Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middle, NJ (2023 Update)
- Middle Solar Installation Cost: $8,207
- 25-Year Savings: $14,554
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middle
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Middle.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middle it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Middle is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,202 for a solar installation, or $11,729 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Middle see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Middle for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Middle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,131 |
| 3 years | $-7,979 |
| 5 years | $-7,827 |
| 7 years | $-7,676 |
| 9 years | $-7,524 |
| 11 years | $-7,372 |
| 13 years | $-7,220 |
| 15 years | $-7,069 |
| 17 years | $-6,917 |
| 19 years | $-6,765 |
| 21 years | $-6,613 |
| 23 years | $-6,462 |
| 25 years | $-6,310 |
Top Solar Installers in Middle
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Middle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middle
For many Middle homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middle, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,770. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Middle to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Middle, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $20,167 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $27,200 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $34,387 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $41,730 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $49,228 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $56,881 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $64,689 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $72,652 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Middle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Middle, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middle?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Middle?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Middle, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.